The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-08-20

that villainv was banding in Calitor- mia. Strange to say, its first appear ance here was in the habiliments of charity. X lot of the riif- raff of east ern cities, having no occupation and being averse to labor, naturally fell back on their old pastime of pilfering. They organized themselves into kind of benevolent association, self-pro- lection and relief society, and called themselves the "Hounis"-truly an appropriate name. They also were known as the "Boys," after the fashion of the New York Bowery. where many of them formerly used to sun themselves. Criminal intent does not appear as part of their original pur- pose. Many of them at first engaged in various occupations, mining, black smithing, hotel and sloon- keeping, but they were not long content to work for gold when the idea grew i that they could steal it SO easily. ln- deed, one ot their fundamental prin- ciples, practiced before it was formu- lated and became the first and broad est plank in their platform. was that others should feed and cIothe them. They were soon joined by the men of Sidney, who began to appear upon the scene, and by low politicians from the eastern states, besides the newly-ar- rived shoulder strikers and deserters. i Whatever may have been their orig inal intention, it was understood that lawlessness and crime were the pri-
 
 by the spring of lS49 subordinate societies, with common grip and password, were scattered throughout the entire mining district of Calitor- mia. The Hounds made their head quarters in a large tent, which after wards was known as Tammany Hall. Here, with unblushing impudence, they would bring, in the face of the community, the spells taken at night, and eat, drink and sleep, for their strength was such as to leave no thought of fear,
 During the whole period of their administration it was the custom of these checdtteiS FmduStrie to parade the streets on Sunday in fantastical attire. They affected sort of mili- tary discipline, with their leaders in uniform, marching with flying colors to the music of fife and drum. In the evening, after their public parade, the Hounds would usually scatter about the little metropolis and throw out gentle hints or make peremptory de- mands for whatever pleased their fancy. Though their outrages were directed chiefly against foreigners, they did not hesitate to attack any one that offended them. A negro, one day, was entering the office of hotel and lieutenant of the Hounds was close behind him. The negro turned and accidentally touched the rowdy with his elbow, when the fiery young villain whipped out his bowie knife and cut off the black mans ear.
 One morning two gentlemen entered the coffee rooms of an old Frcnchman, and called for breakfast. Presently in came thirty-fiv or forty of the foul fraternity and called for food Pounding the table, they would con stantly shout "waiter!" "waiter 2" hurryipg the poor garcon hither and thither until he was half dead with fatigue and fright. Meanwhile the two gentlemen could get nothing to eat. At length the craving of the rabble was satiated, and the leaders rose and took their places with their backs to the counter. Fall in Right about facew they commanded their followers. One then turned to the restauranteur and demanded
 "How much is to pay?"
 1.-Two dollars each"
 "Charge it to the Hounds" he said. "Left face! Forward march [" and out of the door they went without pay ing dime for what they had eaten.
 Sometimes, however, they would come in contact with a man having courage enough to face them. A queer looking customer one day en- tered store and began to price the goods. He was little more than a boy, rather below medium height, slightly built, and having a pale, sim ister face. He wore red wooden shirt, buff pantaloons, tucked inside his boot tops, a well mashed slouched hat, and hanging from leather belt was pis- tol and butcher knife.
 Picking up plug of tobacco, he asked:
 What do you charge for this?"
 "Two dollars" replied the mer- chant.
 "That it is too much you must not charge so much"
 That is my price you can take it or leave it."
 Do you know who am?"
 "No, and don't care who you are"
 "I am captain of the Hounds" "The devil you are! Well, you look like hound.o
 The fellow did nof like the Iooks of